Jobs Or Species

contains a rather interesting-a cynic might say ironic-comment about Sen. Al Gore`s vote against the ``endangered snail darter and for the Tellico Dam in his home state of Tennessee.``

She calls the vote, which effectively overturned the Endangered Species Act, an example of the senator`s ``pragmatic side.`` Yet when it comes to spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest, Sen. Gore wholeheartedly supports the Endangered Species Act.

Could this be an example of the NIMBY (not in my backyard) syndrome?

Americans can take comfort in knowing that Sen. Gore, who fancies himself a strict environmental constructionist, is no better or no worse than most politicians when it comes to protecting jobs over endangered species-unless, of course, the jobs are outside of Tennessee.